STRATEGY

The Chamber is the ‘voice’ of the business communities in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region, promoting its members, advocating for greater prosperity, maintaining connections with all levels of government and building the capacity of business through information, networking and training.

Our Chamber is guided by four key goals outlined in the Strategic Plan 2025- 2027 developed with the assistance of funding from the Australian Government under the Building Better Regions Program (2022). The four goals are:

Strong and sustainable businesses
Liveability and strong identity for the Granite Belt
Assets that enable economic growth
Sustainable organisational, membership and leadership practices.

Download the Strategic Plan here

The Chamber’s Strategic Vision:

Our vision is to be a strong voice for Granite Belt for Granite Belt businesses advocating for a sustainable economic future and dynamic communities.

Our Objectives:

A positive economic reputation for the region
A resilient local economy and vibrant community
A strong network of businesses and partnerships
Growth and excellence across a diverse range of industries
A business community that is capable of change

Our Mission:

Use connections and partnerships top enable a liveable community and a prosperous economy.

We value:

Transparency
Advocacy
Equity and inclusion
Economic prosperity
Innovation and creativity
Trust and integrity

SNAP SHOT

Priority	Status
Regulated Parking	Chamber submitted feedback to council’s parking study. This is an ongoing project and Chamber will continue to work with council to implement.
Replacement of Canarvon Bridge	Chamber has written to the State Government regarding the Federal bridges renewal program to upgrade and replace bridges. An unsatisfactory response was received. Canarvon bridge was constructed in 1922 and in 2009 Main Roads indicated to Chamber that there were plans to replace the bridge in 10 years’ time – it is now 11 years and Chamber will continue to advocate for the replacement.
Shop Local	Chamber has delivered the Shop Local program by subscribing to the Why Leave Town gift card programs, co-branding with Bendigo Bank who initiated the program in 2019. The program includes both the hard gift cards and digital gift card options and is FREE for interested businesses in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt. Almost 100 businesses have signed up to be redemption stores in the program.
Membership Building	Chamber will focus on building its membership to strengthen our voice in the region and create business development opportunities.
Investment Portfolio	• Develop and implement an activation plan for the completed Investment Portfolio amongst industry groups in SEQ and NNSW. • Seek support from SDRC and State Development for the implementation. • Download Investment Folio
Accommodation Shortage	Continue advocacy with SDRC to assist in developing housing solutions for families and employees moving to the Granite Belt. • Land & subdivision for additional housing • Streamline planning & approvals
Small Business Month (May)	• Develop a program of business development initiatives and engage support from key partners to celebrate Small Business Month • Chamber to participate in the Jobs Expos by partnering with Workforce Australia, DTET and SDRC.
Skills Gap Study	• Work with SDRC, Warwick Chamber of Commerce, RDA, DTET and Workforce Australia to develop the parameters of the Skills Gap Study. • Engage industry including RTO’s to develop training and upskilling programs. • Secure funding to support the Study and emergent initiatives.

Projects Delivered by Chamber

New Constitution	• In August 2025 the Chamber endorsed a new constitution following extensive review and engagement with members. • The new Constitution is now aligned with contemporary legislation and guidelines. View Chamber’s New Constitution
Membership Value Propersition and New Structure	o A new tiered membership structure enhancing accessibility for emerging businesses. o Expanding the range of benefits available to members, supported by key partners including Heritage Bank, Medibank, and Business Chamber Queensland. o Become a Member
Skills Development Workshops	AI and Digital Tools workshop and Masterclasses delivered by Tracy Sheen from May to July 2025
Future directions of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism	o In December 2024, facing imminent closure, the Chamber played a pivotal role in the transition of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. o Following the intervention by local member James Lister and the Crisafulli government to keep the facility operating, the Chamber facilitated cross-industry representatives to develop a future business model that was accepted by the state government. o This has led to the establishment of a NFP company The Caves Road Precinct Ltd, which now operates the facility under the new brand Varias.
Relaunch of the Business Excellence Awards	o The Business Excellence Awards were reignited in 2024 as a partnership with Granite Belt Wine & Tourism. o The Business Excellence Awards will continue as a biennial event with plans for 2026 underway.
Sponsorship Prospectus	The activation of the Sponsorship Prospectus with identified and potential sponsors.
Big Thermometer	Official opening was held on 1 September 2018. This project was championed by Mick Spiller and Chamber will continue to advocate to have the official weather readings taken at the Big Thermometer.
Emu Swamp Dam Feasibility Study	The final Detailed Business Case was submitted to the Queensland Government in 2019. The Chamber was the ONLY community organisation to deliver a detailed Business Case for water infrastructure with funding promised from state, federal and local private investors for $84 million. The construction of Emu Swamp Dam will provide food security for Australia and over 700 new jobs for the region.